Cottage Food Laws
Cottage Food Laws in Virginia
Learn the cottage food laws in Virginia — annual sales limits, license and permit requirements, allowed sales channels, and where you can legally sell homemade food.
At a Glance
Where You Can Sell
Virginia cottage food vendors are permitted to sell through the following channels:
Virginia cottage food law does not allow wholesale or indirect sales. You cannot sell to stores, restaurants, or anyone who intends to resell your products. Sales must be directly to an individual in Virginia for their personal consumption. House Bill 402 (signed April 2026, effective July 1, 2026) adds online sales and in-state delivery by mail, carrier, or third-party — but explicitly does not change the no-wholesale restriction.
Online Sales & Shipping
As of June 2026, internet sales are not permitted in Virginia — products must be sold in person at home, a farmers market, or a temporary event. Starting July 1, 2026, delivery via mail or delivery service will be permitted within Virginia under a new law. All sales must remain within Virginia.
License & Permit Requirements
Annual Sales Limits
Acidified & Fermented Foods
Acidified foods include pickles, hot sauces, salsas, fermented vegetables, and other products with a pH at or below 4.6. These are regulated separately in most states.
Important Notes
Virginia removed its sales cap in 2023. Very favorable law for cottage food businesses.
Official Sources
Always verify cottage food laws directly with your state agency — laws change, and we want you selling with confidence.
Information last updated: June 15, 2026. Cottage food laws change frequently — always confirm with your state.
Ready to Launch Your Food Business
Three steps from your kitchen to launching your business
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Step 1
Open your shop
Sign up in under two minutes. Add your story, images, branding, photos, social media channels, pickup & delivery availability. Select your layout & selling model. We'll set up your professional website complete with an e-mail & text opt in form in less than 5 minutes.
Step 2
List what you make
Bea helps you add your products. Need options for flavors? Want to sell digital products like recipe books? Bea suggests pricing, helps you write descriptions, and tags everything for local search. She'll even help you setup custom orders.
Step 3
Start selling
Share your website. Neighbors find you, place orders, and pick up at farmers markets or your porch. Prefer to use drops? No problem, schedule your drops straight from your dashboard. Track your sales, pricing, inventory, and manage custom orders all from your dashboard.
REady When You Are.
It’s free to get started
We know you'll love it here. If you already have a cottage food business, or ready to start one, come on over to Butter & Sage Market. We're connecting neighbors with their local food makers.
